BREEDERS – Born or bred?!
Article written by Dr Melvyn Greenberg
“In the beginning, the breeders created the breeds, and they thought that what they
had done was good, then their egos were satisfied….since then, very few have
rested!”
The only sensible approach for controlling and reducing the multiple problems which
exist in the pet breeding industry is to pass legislation that will register, license,
monitor, and, whenever deemed appropriate, discipline unethical breeders.
Breeder applicants, by rights, should have to complete and pass a course that will
include aspects of animal husbandry, genetics, breeding ethics, normal and abnormal
animal behaviour, companion animal nutrition, puppy temperament assessment,
animal socialization, puppy training etc.
The qualifiers would enjoy the best possible standard and reputation for which they
would be adequately rewarded – in pride, prestige and remuneration. People, in
general, are prepared to put their hands deep in to their pockets for a quality pet.
The diversity of dog and cat breeders warrants a genus classification of their own
wherein they may be divided into sub-species:
 Reputable breeder who will not part with any offspring or breeding stock
irrespective of the financial offers. The interested parties have to convince this
type of breeder that they qualify as worthy custodians. The creditable breeder
surfs the internet on a regular basis as a continuing education for latest
information pertinent to the species and breed; attends breed workshops and
has a good rapport with a veterinarian in private practice and any specialities
available to pets in society. The reputable breeders will maintain contact with
all who purchase their stock and are available to offer advice at any time. They
are ethical, honest and steadfast; and will halt or alter their breeding
programme if any problem or defect emerges. One can trust that they will
supply all the necessary information for the prospective owners to start on a
good footing with the new puppy or kitten. They become a friend above the
breeding role with an excellence in the back-up service. Their love for the
welfare of their animals surpasses all else. Regrettably they form the astute
minority of mentorship.
 Sub-reputable breeder owns pedigree dogs or cats, registered according to the
legal requirements. This breeder knows everything and uses veterinarians only
as a second opinion; a law unto themselves drowning in ego and swimming in
politics. They are pretentious at dog shows and are often known to hide their
breeding faults from their colleagues and veterinarians. This breeder takes
serious offence to any criticisms, even if constructive, and will hold permanent
grudges forever after. The trophies, rosettes and certificates displayed on the
mantelpiece are mostly of greater importance than the well-being of the
animal or its breed. This category is neophobic and the sub-reputable breeder
will only socialize with like-minded self-absorbed people. No one can tell
them what to do. They only change their ways if they themselves discover a
more ego-boosting concept about their breeding programme and health
management. It is understandable as the people in this category believe they
are the creators of the breed and no one is worthy of them.
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The anthropomorphic breeder is of a modern ilk – a tragic reflection how
people have lost contact with the reality of nature. These people honestly
believe that animals have human emotions and thoughts. One of their
conceptual tenets is that a female animal contemplates pregnancy and would
love to experience motherhood. “Macho” men in this category cannot tolerate
the sterilization of male dogs believing that the hound will mope in the corner
of the property ashamed at the loss of his virility. These “breeders’” are not
registered but do own dogs; so do their like-minded social circle. They think
their dogs are gorgeous so they pair them off to have just one litter because so
many friends and family members want one. These ignorant, out-of-touch and
irresponsible pet owners are a nightmare for animal welfare organizations, for
the latter are often recipients of the offspring that could not be homed. The
anthropomorphic breeders also maintain that pups and kittens know that they
are brothers and sisters and hope that after the youngsters are given homes that
they would want to visit their “parents” from time to time. A small percentage
of these folk refuse to sterilize as it goes against the animal’s rights.
Unwitting breeders are sometimes the worst neighbours in high density
dwellings. They invariably own an unsterilised cat or dog. They refuse to
neuter on economic principles. They can never understand how the bitch or
queen fell pregnant and are oblivious to the dogs and tomcats sowing their
wild oats in the neighbourhood. They have no contraception and no
conception of the principle that “love has no boundaries”. The unarranged
mating always causes conflict amongst neighbours, arguments within families
and aggression at veterinary practices because they are now inconvenienced
with pups and kittens they did not want and expenses that had not been
budgeted for. When confronted about their irresponsible breeding they become
vehemently aggressive denying that they are breeders. Logic has it that if an
animal falls pregnant and delivers offspring you are a breeder. If you have a
child you are a parent – another logical deduction.
Backyard breeders are in the majority and unscrupulous in their breeding for
financial gain. Their breeding grounds are usually in peri-urban areas where
they accommodate many breeding bitches of many different dog breeds.
Sometimes, even they have no idea which dog was involved in the mating, as
long as the bitch is pregnant. However, they are able to produce certificates of
pedigree in some instances. Some of the breeders in this category catch the
unwary public every day by meeting them in remote places, in answer to their
adverts in the newspapers, often not giving what was paid for; most people
feel guilty about rejecting the, nevertheless, cute puppy and allow these streetwise puppy farmers to get away with their fraudulent scheme. The backyard
breeder often dispenses a stereotypic uneducated puppy management hand-out
which is puerile in content with “do’s and don’ts” without an explanation. The
content seems to be a learnt behaviour through generations of families
involved in this “profession”. There is no pride, ethics or love for the animals.
These disreputable breeders allow inbreeding on a large scale. When
confronted about any problems discovered in the puppy soon after purchase
they become aggressive, abusive and promise to take it back. Some of their
surplus stock is sold to pet shops and flea markets.
One classic cliché all breeders have in their vocabulary, when confronted about a
health problem or defect in a pup or kitten is: “but it’s never happened before”.
The man-in-the-street needs to be aware of the opportunity that is available
through the professional services of the veterinarian. Any pup purchased should
be taken “on appro” directly to the vet for a thorough health check-up. Any
breeder reluctant to comply with this request may have something to hide.
People should spend the same amount of time deliberating about buying an animal
as they do over a car, a house or a firearm. A dog or cat can be a relationship for
14 -21 years.
There are “breeders” waiting, like vultures near a kill, for thoughtless, impatient
members of the public who rush in to buying a pup or kitten irrationally and
emotionally.
Find out from your vet what you need to know about selecting a breeder, a dog or
cat breed and an individual young pet.
The choice is yours and you will have to live with it!